South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended the national police chief after he was accused of breaking finance laws in the awarding of a healthcare contract.
National Police Commissioner Fanny Masemola was suspended on Thursday The latest scandal to hit South Africa's police force. Pressure is increasing on Ramaphosa to end corruption before voting begins in local elections in November.
The police minister, the national commissioner and his deputy have now been suspended or placed on leave in a rare incident of turmoil at the top of the force.
Masemola is accused of violating procurement laws in awarding a 360 million rand ($21.7 million) police tender for health services to the company Medicare24. The firm is run by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is suspected of having links to organized crime. The contract has since been cancelled.
Prosecutors alleged that Medicare24 colluded with police officials to win a tender to provide health services to the police. Matlala had received a payment of slightly more than 50 million rand ($3.03m) before the contract was cancelled.
Masemola appeared in court briefly on Tuesday to face four counts of breaching the Public Finance Act, but the case was adjourned until May 13. He has denied the allegations.
“Given the seriousness of these allegations and the important role of the National Police Commissioner… I agree with General Masemola that he be considered on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case,” Ramaphosa told reporters.
The police's chief financial officer, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, will serve as acting commissioner, with Ramaphosa describing him as having a “reputation for professionalism and integrity”.
Corruption scandals galore
Masemola's suspension follows widespread allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system, which were revealed by a commission of inquiry appointed by Ramaphosa last year.
The commission was formed in July after a senior police officer alleged that a criminal investigation was compromised due to corruption and political interference. As a result, Ramaphosa installed former police minister Senzo Mchunu to the post on leave of absence.
The Masemola case adds to a series of corruption scandals that have undermined public confidence in South Africa's ruling coalition ahead of municipal elections in which tackling corruption could be a major issue for voters.